Christian Gonzalez may have been snubbed by the Pro Bowl, but his latest accolade showed that he’s earned the respect of his peers.
Coming off his second season with the New England Patriots, Gonzalez was named to the Top 100 NFL Players of 2025, ranking in at No. 84. The annual rankings are based on polling from NFL players.
Since bursting onto the scene as a rookie in 2024, Gonzalez has been looked upon as one of New England’s rising stars. Now, that reputation appears to extend across the NFL.
In the video package announcing the ranking, Gonzalez received some high praise from his peers. Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey, a two-time All-Pro, raved about Gonzalez’s athleticism.
“His smoothness and ability to get downhill on breaks, it seems like, even when he might not have a step, his closing speed is next level,” Humphrey said.
The No. 17 overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, Gonzalez has quickly developed into a top-level cornerback. Last season, he was the team’s top coverage player, regularly shadowing the opposing team’s No. 1 receiver.
Gonzalez did get some recognition for his 2024 campaign, eventually earning All-Pro Second-Team honors.
Heading into 2025, Gonzalez now has a high-end running mate at cornerback in the form of free agent signing Carlton Davis. Between the veteran Davis and the rising star Gonzalez, the Patriots could have the makings of a strong tandem in the secondary.